Levi Norwood: Teen Killed Mom and Brother Over Girlfriend

On Valentine's Day, 17-year-old Levi Norwood shot his mother Jennifer, 34, his six-year-old brother Wyatt, and his father Joshua inside their home in Midland, Virginia. The motive that emerged from the case: his family had not approved of his Black girlfriend.

Joshua Norwood discovered the bodies of his wife and son in the basement of their home. He had been grazed by a bullet but survived. Levi was already gone.

The Escape and Arrest

After the shootings, Levi stole a 2007 red Toyota Camry and drove south. He was caught the following day in Durham, North Carolina, not because of a police pursuit, but because he was found shoplifting at a Target store. He had been trying to leave with hair dye, a change of clothing, and a backpack.

The Guilty Plea

Levi Norwood pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of his mother Jennifer and second-degree murder in the death of his brother Wyatt. He also pleaded guilty to wounding his father Joshua. His defense attorney stated that Levi had severe mental health issues at the time that had gone untreated.

He was sentenced to life in prison plus 40 years.

What Happened to Joshua Norwood

Joshua Norwood, the only member of the immediate family to survive the shooting, died by suicide two months after the attack. He had lost his wife and youngest son on the same night, survived a gunshot wound, and was left to process that his surviving son was responsible for all of it.

The Norwood family of Midland, Virginia no longer exists. Jennifer was 34. Wyatt was 6. Joshua was 37. Levi is serving life plus 40 years in a Virginia prison.